In cookbooks, start with the grandmas

COOKBOOKS have become a favorite form of fund-raising for Project Graduation committees, but people love 'em, so why not keep 'em coming?

Mililani High School's class of 2006 sent one around last week -- it's called "Warrior Chefs." My favorite thing to look for in these benefit cookbooks is grandma recipes. I figure these are tried, true and no-nonsense.

The one I chose to try was from the aforementioned Grandma Shimotsu -- actually, Frances Shimotsu, grandmother of student Chantelle Matsumura. It's for hoisin spareribs and is one of the simplest recipes you'll ever find.

In grandma tradition, one of the ingredients is vague: "1 bottle hoisin sauce." Bottles of hoisin come in sizes from 8 to 32 ounces. If you asked Grandma which one, she'd probably say, "the regular size."

I suggest starting with 1 cup of sauce. Taste as you go. That's the grandma way.

The cookbooks are being sold from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Mililani Town Center (outside Surprise). They cost $14, or $16 gift-wrapped. For mail orders, send checks made to MHS SPADA Inc., P.O. Box 894174, Mililani 96786. Add $4 postage for one to two books; $8 for three or more.